Layered Lighting in Interior Design

30 Sep

Ambient Lighting: How to Successfully Layer Lighting

Lighting has the power to transform a room, and it’s an element of design you shouldn’t fast track. It sets the mood, enhances the décor, and influences how comfortable and inviting a space feels. It is one of the key foundations that will either make everything else a success, or a flop. While many of us may rely on overhead lights to brighten a room, this often results in harsh, one-dimensional lighting. If you’re looking to add depth and warmth to your interiors, it’s time to explore the art of layered lighting - who even turns on the ‘big light’ anymore anyway?

In this blog, we’ll delve into how to create an inviting atmosphere with ambient lighting using table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights, including innovative options like rechargeable bulb wall lights. Whether you're updating your home or simply refreshing a cosy nook, I will show you how to layer your lighting for maximum effect.

What Is Layered Lighting?

Layered lighting involves using multiple light sources at different levels to create a balanced and flexible lighting scheme. There are three essential layers of lighting to consider:

Ambient Lighting: The foundation of your lighting scheme. It provides general illumination and sets the tone of the room.
Task Lighting: More focused lighting used for specific activities, like reading or cooking.
Accent Lighting: Decorative lighting that highlights architectural features or art, adding interest and texture.

By blending these layers, you can craft a lighting scheme that not only enhances your home’s functionality and is flexible throughout the day, but also brings out its character.

Creating Ambient Lighting with Lamps and Wall Lights

Lamps and Floor Lamps: The Key to Cosy Lighting

Lamps are the unsung heroes of ambient lighting. Unlike overhead lights, table and floor lamps provide soft, diffused light that adds warmth to a room and there is so much choice! You can easily inject your style, in an affordable way, using lamps. The trick is to place them at various heights to avoid creating a flat look, this is why you need a variety of table and floor lamps.

Table Lamps: Place these at eye level on side tables, consoles, or shelves. Opt for soft lampshades to create a gentle glow that’s easy on the eyes. If you don’t have a plug nearby you can look at rechargeable lamps (wait for the options at the end).
Floor Lamps: Perfect for corners or behind armchairs, floor lamps can add height and visual interest to a room. Tall and slender designs work well in minimalist spaces, while a statement lamp can become a design feature in its own right. Curved lamps are great too, especially over a chair perfect for reading.

When choosing lamps, think about the overall style of your room and the proportion of the lamp and shade. Note that you don’t have to buy them from the same retailer, you can purchase the lamp base and shade separately to make your own unique match. I’ve recently shared a helpful guide with Renovation Room Members on choosing the right shade for their lamp base, if you’d like to join you will have this guide at your fingertips.

Wall Lights: Subtle, Yet Effective

Wall lights are a brilliant way to add ambient light to a room without cluttering surfaces. They offer a more subtle form of illumination, perfect for hallways, reading corners, or by the bed.

Bedside Wall Lights: If you’re tight on space, wall-mounted lights can replace traditional bedside lamps, giving you a clean, modern look. It’s also wonderful to have both table lamps and wall lights if you can.
Accent Wall Lights: Position wall lights to highlight art, mirrors, or architectural features, subtly drawing attention without being overpowering.

The key to using wall lights is placement. Consider where shadows might fall and how the light will enhance the overall ambiance of the room. Don’t forget, if you need more illumination on the wall you can consider double sconces which have two bulbs on one fitting.

Problem Free Wall Lights: No Electrician Needed

If the thought of installing wall lights sounds like a hassle, especially in rented spaces or homes where rewiring isn’t an option, plug in wall lights and rechargeable bulb wall lights are the solution. These clever fixtures give you the flexibility to place lights anywhere without the need for wiring or drilling into walls.

Where a plug is present, and if a cable isn’t going to be impractical or unsafe you can opt for a plug in wall light. These are really practical in bedrooms where the cable will hang and go behind a bedside table, and also in kitchens. I’ve seen clever use of cables with bulb holders and small shades used on shelf brackets and hooks, so these don’t even need fixing to a wall!

Let’s look closely at rechargeable bulbs which have hugely improved in recent years. I'll share some from a favourite retailer soon.

How They Work: These lights come with rechargeable bulbs, so no wiring is needed. Simply charge the bulb and attach the fixture to the wall – perfect for renters or those wanting a quick lighting update.
Style Meets Function: From sleek, minimalist designs to more ornate fixtures, there are plenty of rechargeable wall lights to suit your décor.
Creative Placement: Think beyond the living room or bedroom – these lights are great for staircases, hallways, and even bathrooms where installing traditional wall lights might be tricky.

Rechargeable wall lights are a fantastic way to achieve a layered lighting effect without committing to permanent changes.

Achieving Balance: How to Layer Lighting Like a Pro

Now that you’ve got your lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights in place, it’s time to think about how they work together. Here are a few tips for balancing your layered lighting scheme:

Use Dimmers or Smart Bulbs: Being able to adjust the brightness of your lights gives you control over the ambiance. Use dimmers or smart bulbs that allow you to fine-tune the lighting to match the mood – whether it’s bright for a social gathering or dimmed for a cosy evening in.
Create Zones: Use lighting to define areas within a room. A floor lamp in one corner could illuminate a reading nook, while a pair of wall lights might frame a fireplace, drawing attention to the focal points in the space.
Avoid Overlighting: Less is often more. Focus on subtle, indirect lighting rather than flooding the room with light. Use reflective surfaces like mirrors or metallic accents to bounce light around and create the illusion of more light without adding extra fixtures.

Quick Tips for Ambient Lighting Success

Choose the Right Bulbs: Warm-toned bulbs (2700K to 3000K) create a cosy atmosphere, while cooler tones (3500K and above) can feel too stark for living spaces. Make sure to match the bulb’s temperature to the room’s purpose.
Think About Placement: Avoid placing lights where they will cause glare or cast unflattering shadows. Position lamps at various heights to create depth and interest.
Embrace Reflective Surfaces: Use mirrors and metallic accents to amplify the light in the room and add a touch of luxury.

Layering Lighting for Comfort and Style

Creating a well-balanced, layered lighting scheme is the key to making a space feel inviting and functional. By combining different light sources like lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights – and experimenting with modern solutions like rechargeable wall lights – you can achieve a beautifully lit space that’s both practical and stylish.

Ready to transform your home with layered lighting? Read on as I share some of my favourite lighting picks from my favourite ‘high street’ retailers, perfect for achieving an ambient glow.

Hester from Graham and Green £154
Twisted floor lamp from Birdie Fortescue £195
Kalinda from Oka £195
Fluted cloth light made with recycled plastic from Soho Lighting £210
Carrick plug in wall light from Jim Lawrence £92.19
Double Chukka in Ikat shade by GP& J Baker, with rechargeable bulbs, from Pooky £255
Lumière Une Table Lamp from French Bedroom £195
Brass Tate Floor Lamp from Next £140